Eighties music and dress inspires Derbyshire theatre group's presentation of Shakespeare comedy As You Like It
New Romantics, punks, Goths, David Bowie, Vivienne Westwood, Adam Ant, Laura Ashley and Lady Di reigned supreme in a decade which has inspired a Derbyshire theatre group’s imaginative twist on a Shakespeare classic.
High Tor Players’ new production of As You Like It will feature costumes and live music from the Eighties and will show at the Imperial Rooms, Matlock from April 29 until May 2, 2026.
The gentle, unworldly Duke Senior has been deposed and banished by his own brother, the vain and unstable Duke Frederick. He goes into exile in the Forest of Arden, like Robin Hood, the focus for his “merry men” (and women) as well as for the audience. The fairytale love story between the true Duke’s daughter Rosalind, and the outcast but noble Orlando, has enchanted audiences since 1599.
High Tor Players’ presentation – offering a 20th century twist in its costumes and music – will be presented at 7.30pm nightly, when admission is £12.50 by ticket only. There is a “pay what you can” matinee on Saturday, May 2, at 2pm. Further details and tickets are available on the website, www.hightorplayers.co.uk
The company’s autumn production of The Crucible was a near sell-out so the advice is to book tickets early to avoid disappointment.